SCOTTS VALLEY -- The middle schools in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley are now among only 48 schools in the state to obtain the state "Schools to Watch" designation, recognizing not only academic excellence, but strong support and dedication by staff, students and the broader community.

Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson and State Assemblyman Mark Stone joined students, staff and various city and school officials in separate ceremonies Thursday to mark the occasion. They, along with their entire student bodies, listened as Dr. Irvin Howard, president of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, and Carole Carlson, director of California Schools to Watch, heaped praise on the schools for their steadfast commitment and efforts to achieve excellence.

Both schools have done especially well this year. Out of a possible API score of 1,000, San Lorenzo Valley Middle School scored 843, and Scotts Valley Middle School's score was 918. Scotts Valley Middle School Principal Mary Lonhart highlighted that accomplishment during the hour-long ceremony, held at Lynn Beebe Memorial Pavilion, telling the nearly 600 students assembled the "continued solid API (improvement) is evidence of our continued growth."

Scotts Valley Middle School's principal, Jeff Calden, noted the state's Common Core Standards go into effect in just five months, and the high standards the school has met must be maintained. He enthusiastically praised the students for their academic prowess, as well as the "amazing educators who are dedicated" to their success.

But high test scores were only one of 37 criteria the schools had to meet, Howard said. Other factors included how well staff responds to students' needs, social equity and support from parents and their respective communities. At the San Lorenzo Valley celebration, for example, Carlson noted not only the school's improved test scores, but also excellent classroom instruction and commitment to its community. For Scotts Valley, she noted the school shares several similarities with the its mascot, a dolphin, including "team intelligence" and ability to work together toward a common goal while treating each other with dignity and respect.

The schools applied for the Schools to Watch designation in the fall﻿, and after site visits from state officials, learned in January they would receive the nods from Sacramento. To retain the designation, they will undergo site visits from state officials again in 2015.

"As good as this school is today ... it will be even better in three years," Howard said at the Scotts Valley assembly.

At the end of the ceremonies, Howard unfurled banners that read "2013 Schools to Watch -- Taking Center Stage." That makes the state designation official, and school representatives will travel to Washington in June to receive national recognition. The Schools to Watch program started in 2002.